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An Infectious Game
“Zaragoza has a remarkable knowledge of medicine, science, and history. This thriller will have you on the edge of your seat till the last page.”
When a neighbor man molests young Zoe, an ugly duckling, she gains the means to build a private laboratory to explore microbes, eventually eliminating the predator and realizing her passion to use her tiny ‘friends’ to murder those that bully, persecute, harm, threaten her, or stand in her way. A sophisticated, multi-layered woman seemingly living in darkness, she slowly transforms into a serial killer.
In Paris, a chance encounter with a man connected to the underworld results in a company that provides terrorists with the tools to eliminate their enemies. Zoe meets a man who is connected to the underworld arms trade, and they form a company that provides terrorists the tools to eliminate their enemies. As a urologist in a reputable hospital in Manhattan, Zoe uses her micro-friends to exact justice in medicine and marriage.
Heartbroken by her infertility, Zoe finds her world unravel when her husband has an affair that produces a child. When Zoe murders her husband’s lover, one careless misstep launches an investigation that spans Key West, New York, Panama, and the Grand Caymans. To stop her from unleashing her deadly microbes, the NYPD, FBI, and other law enforcement agencies must locate her lab to ensure New York City residents are not the next victims in the woman’s deadly game.
Reviews
Z, also known as Zoe, is an enigmatic genius who has transitioned from a tortured soul to a distinguished scientist and medical doctor, unveiling her profound inclination towards the realm of microbiology from an early age. Harnessing her extraordinary gift, she delves into the realm of manipulating and crafting a myriad of lethal bacteria. Intriguingly, upon realizing her own biological complexities as a pseudohermaphrodite, she intriguingly perceives her utilization of these deadly microorganisms as a form of artistic expression, positioning herself as the orchestrator of swift retribution against those she deems deserving.
Teaming up with the brilliant Emil Solas, Z successfully scales up her creation of microorganisms, unleashing repercussions of global significance. As her fortunes grow, she finds solace in the embrace of her newfound family. However, this idyllic existence is abruptly shattered as a single misstep threatens to unravel her meticulously constructed empire. As the authorities begin to unearth the truth behind her true identity and the chilling reality of her creations, Z must navigate the treacherous waters of protecting her loved ones while relentlessly striving to create what she envisions as her magnum opus.
An Infectious Game, crafted by the talented duo of Pablo Omar Zaragoza and co-author Susan Giffin, is an exhilarating literary endeavor that ventures far beyond the realm of the ordinary. This gripping narrative unfolds through a riveting collection of case files, accompanied by captivating video recordings, all woven together with multiple perspectives, granting the reader an immersive experience reminiscent of a captivating crime novel. Indeed, one becomes intimately acquainted with the intricacies of the killer’s mind, the machinations of her accomplices, and the relentless pursuit of justice by the astute detectives, forging a web of diverse characters with genuine relationships and layered narratives.
While the authors admirably integrate an abundance of medical language into the fabric of the story, allowing readers to comprehend the intricate scientific aspects, it must be noted that this meticulous attention to detail may prove overwhelming to some. Nevertheless, Zaragoza and Giffin adeptly strike a balance, ensuring that the technical terminology remains accessible to a broader audience. The authors exhibit an unwavering commitment to delivering a richly immersive experience by meticulously crafting a tapestry of minutiae. From the precise specifications of a character’s breakfast order to the utilization of medical jargon, the authors leave no stone unturned. It is important to note that An Infectious Game delves into highly sensitive subject matter, such as sexual abuse of a minor, rape, body horror, and instances of animal torture and death. Readers must exercise caution and be prepared for the unsettling nature of these themes. While the premise and methodologies employed by the central antagonist, as well as the captivating supporting characters, prove undeniably intriguing, certain scenes prioritize shock value over substantive content, detracting from the overall experience.
An Infectious Game is a thought-provoking journey into the mind of a complex and formidable protagonist, leaving an indelible mark on those brave enough to delve into its pages. This thriller novel keeps readers hooked from the opening pages through till the end.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award: July 2023
5 Star Review By Lorraine Evanoff
Dare I say, infectious?
This infectious thriller is fast-paced, riveting, and original. From page one, the author is fearless, using esoteric medical jargon to build a terrifying world of biochemical weapons that one might expect to be difficult to read, but it is a real page-turner. The reader follows a group of hard-nosed investigators hot on the trail of local serial murders and international genocides.
The author, a former pathologist and health officer in the Florida prison system, lends disturbing credibility to this dark tale. In yet another accomplishment of the writing, being a murderous sociopath notwithstanding, the main character is very likeable, with motives ranging from selfless love to self-preservation.
If you’re like me and have a hard time with animal cruelty, you can skim or skip those short passages. But it is all a part of the fascinating reality of pharmaceuticals and bio-weaponry.
The author builds suspense and creates incredible tension with expertly crafted twists and turns until the exciting climax. The cliffhanger ending hints at a possible series. I hope so!
Reviewed By Romuald Dzemo for Readers’ Favorite
“An Infectious Game by Pablo Omar Zaragoza is a thriller that explores how a complex character slowly transforms into a serial killer in her pursuit of revenge. A pseudo-hermaphrodite who seems as confused about her sex as she is about her emotions, Zoe is molested by a neighbor. She builds a private laboratory where she explores microbes and quickly finds the means to eliminate her molester. She has finally found a tool she can use to eliminate anyone who threatens her.
“An Infectious Game is a fascinating novel with powerful twists and characters so elaborately developed and compelling they will have readers following the story with undivided attention. The protagonist caught my interest because of her unique nature and skills. She is a sophisticated, multi-layered character with a darkness that seems to envelop her and a sense of self-worth that borders on self-loathing. It is interesting how her shadowy nature develops in the story as the tension mounts and the conflict becomes complex. Pablo Omar Zaragoza has written a story that is original and that grips the reader from the first page and forces them to keep reading until the exciting denouement.”
2019 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards
